Gov. Abbott Orders Crackdown on Birth Tourism Schemes in Texas

Governor Greg Abbott has signed an executive order directing multiple Texas state agencies to investigate and crack down on unlawful birth tourism schemes operating within the state's healthcare system.

What Is Birth Tourism?

Birth tourism generally refers to individuals traveling to the United States for the primary purpose of giving birth so their child will receive U.S. citizenship. This also means US benefits once they turn 18. How many of us knew this was an industry until very recently?

"Texas will not tolerate the exploitation of our immigration laws by individuals traveling to the United States illegally or under false pretenses to give birth and secure citizenship for their child," Governor Abbott said. "This executive order directs state agencies to investigate birth tourism schemes and hold accountable any provider that facilitates this fraud. U.S. citizenship is not for sale, and Texas will put a stop to individuals seeking to profit from birth tourism."

Multiple State Agencies Directed to Investigate

The executive order instructs the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), the Department of State Health Services, the HHSC Office of Inspector General, the Texas Medical Board, the Texas Board of Nursing, and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to investigate reports of unlawful birth tourism activity.

If licensed healthcare providers or businesses are found to be participating in or promoting these schemes, the agencies have been directed to take enforcement action.

Possible Penalties for Violations

Enforcement could include suspending or revoking professional licenses, prohibiting participation in state contracts, denying state benefits, or pursuing other penalties allowed under Texas law.

The executive order also allows state agencies to work with federal prosecutors by sharing information and referring potential violations of federal law.

Follows Earlier Investigation

The executive order builds on action Governor Abbott announced earlier this month. On July 7, he directed HHSC to investigate Texas hospitals advertising birth tourism packages and refer any violations to the Texas Attorney General and local prosecutors.

According to the Governor's Office, HHSC has already referred two Texas hospitals to the Attorney General over allegations they advertised "birth packages" in Mexico. One of which is pictured below, Mission Regional Medical Center in Mission, Texas, not far from the Texas/Mexico border. Those billboards have reportedly been taken down.

See Something, Say Something

Anyone with information about suspected birth tourism schemes is encouraged to report it to the HHSC Office of Inspector General or the U.S. Department of Justice.